Obituary of Roger James Taylor

After living a “thumbs up” life that included countless smiles, laughs, memories and experiences; Roger James Taylor, 84, passed away on Saturday, August 24th, 2024. Roger lived a life with an unwavering commitment to “Love the Lord.” In times like these we are reminded that in the end, the only thing remaining is the memories we make, and lives we have touched along the way. While words will never be enough to describe how he made us feel and how important he was to our family, we have the comfort knowing his loving and kind spirit lives in those closest to him. The memory of Roger burns in our hearts like an eternal candle. That candle will always be lit, like the eternal candle on the altar representing God as light of the World. He will always be a guiding light in our lives. Roger’s love for his family was rare in this world and is certainly being rewarded in the next. Roger’s life was always focused on growing relationships and cultivating connections. Those who were fortunate enough to get to know him over the years enjoyed his fun loving and jovial attitude. He learned the art of always saying “yes” to every opportunity to make a memory. He wore his heart on his sleeve and will always be remembered by his genuine caring nature (which included not just people, but plants and animals alike). As reflected in the outpouring of support and stories the family has received, Roger will be greatly missed, by a great many. While providing comfort to the family, those same notes of support and stories provide a wonderful reflection of his life and assures us his memory will live on. Roger graduated from Hector High School. Soon after he joined the Air Force serving in Alaska. Roger returned home and moved to Minneapolis. He worked at a furniture store, and then Telex, which allowed him to regularly attend Viking games at the old Met Stadium with his friends. He worked at Dahlberg Electronics (Miracle-Ear) where he was initially hired to put an affirmative action and human resources manual together for the fledgling company. He was promoted to credit and collection manager and eventually to regional sales manager after creating a novel ad campaign. From there, he became the national franchise and sales director for Miracle-Ear while owning and operating multiple Miracle-Ear hearing aid franchises in Minnesota, Kentucky and Arizona. In retirement, Roger continued his "never quit" attitude and remained busy into his late 70's at Pathfinder Village, the local liquor store and as a host for the Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN. Roger is preceded in death by his wife Aggie Taylor, and his parents, Jim and Ann Taylor. Roger is survived by his daughter Elizabeth (Timothy) Haycraft of Mahtomedi, MN and his three grandchildren Carter, McKinley, and Channing Haycraft. Siblings Allyn (Mary) Taylor, Pat (Doug) Taylor; nephews, Mark and Jimmy Taylor and their families. Roger is also survived by his wife Aggie’s children, Marjorie (Randall) Johnson, Michael (Beth) Grahek; grandchildren, Whitney (Ryan) Cobby, Courtney (Casey) Aluni, Ashley (Justin) Morken, Adam (Christina) Grahek and great grandchildren Harper and Hudson Cobby, Aubri, Emmi, and Halli Aluni. A celebration of Roger's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 30th, 2024, at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church in Mahtomedi, MN with a luncheon following the service. Inurnment will be next year in Tower, MN at the Lakeview Cemetery near his wife Aggie Taylor. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make donations to St. Jude Catholic Church.